Ukraine to strike Russian oil refineries after Moscow's renewed city bombardments

Ukraine will intensify strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's renewed bombardment of Ukrainian cities, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, citing intelligence that Putin has authorized a "new doctrine" expanding attacks on non-military targets before winter. Zelensky said Russian strikes aim to pressure civilians to flee Kyiv and other cities by targeting infrastructure, roads, schools, and hospitals, while Ukraine will respond against energy facilities that fund Russia's war effort but avoid civilian objects. Ukraine's "Vivaldi" counteroffensive has reclaimed about 140 sq km in the eastern Donbas region. The US has urged Ukraine to halt oil strikes over global diesel costs and is pursuing diplomatic talks, but Zelensky warned Washington against normalizing ties with Moscow without lasting peace. Ukraine faces a winter campaign of ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones, and is developing interceptor drones and longer-range missiles, while securing European funding to cover a $27 billion defense shortfall.